Japanese Satsuma foliate form bowl decorated in overglaze pigments and gilt highlights with a large bird in a cherry tree at the foreground set against a landscape scene with beauties in a pavilion at the right and a waterfall at the left. The exterior features three flying female mythological figures. The base bears a gold on black square “Satsuma Hotoda” mark and circular Satsuma family crest. 4 1/4” diameter x 1 3/4” high. Meiji period (late 19th century)...

Antique Japanese pair of screen paintings, one of early Summer (or Spring): rabbits, blossoming wisteria and peonies. And the other of Winter: birds including sparrows and kingfishers with snow-covered bamboo and red clusters of berries on a large nandia bush. Painted using mineral colors and gold leaf on paper. Signed Eigaku Kano (1790-1867).

Eigaku Kano was the ninth head of the "Kyo Kano", the Kyoto branch of the Kano School...

Rare Japanese four drawer gyosho bako, or peddler's chest, constructed of Sugi (cedar) wood, with iron hardware and mounts, iron rings on the sides for carrying. The chest is trapezoidal in shape and tapers towards the top of the chest. Original finish and condition. With key included. Exhibited at the Palo Alto Cultural center

19th century Edo period (1603-1868)

Dimensions: 26" w x 12 1/2" d x 26 1/4" h

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing an unusual theatrical mask of O-Beshimi which was used in folk plays by an important figure with “negative” character. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, great patina. some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.14 inches.

Height: 3.4 cm (1.3 in)
Width: 4.2 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 3 cm (1.2 in)

Japanese wooden netsuke of Daruma; very minor wear; good condition

19th century Asakusa school staghorn netsuke in manju shape with openwork carving of a winged water dragon in flight among clouds. Superb design and excellent quality sharp carving, beautiful warm patina, darker porous areas as is usual with staghorn. Loss to the part of the inner ring (not visible when manju is put together, photo #5, lower right image) not affecting integrity of the piece. Diameter 1.6 inches.

Antique Japanese framed scroll painting by the artist Mori Sosen (1747-1821), Japanese painter of the Shijō school during the Edo period. Although he did paint other animals and birds, Sosen is most famous for his paintings monkeys. In this painting, a mother monkey grooms her young one. Her expression is one of intent concentration while her little monkey protests. Sosen was a master at painting monkeys, delineating every hair and creating a soft effect...

19th century Japanese scroll painting in ink and color on paper depicting a group of 13 officials, scholars, monks, ascetics and sages in the clouds observing a strange scene below described in the ink inscription as a “Picture of a Village Meeting to Honour a Genius”. It shows a Chinese scholar seated at the table and about to start writing in a scroll, a table with bronze vessels and one demon, one human attendant behind him, and 3 more figures in front of him...

This a rather rare subject Netsuke made during the 19th century, in Japan, that depicts a rat that is gnawing at a large radish, on top of a straw rice scoop. The rat and radish are made from Sentokudo, a bronze alloy, that has acquired a dark patina with the passage of time. The ring at the bottom of the rice scoop serves as himotoshi. Unsigned. Netsuke measures 1.46 inches (3.7cm) wide, 1.68 inches (4.2cm) long, and 0.25 inches (6mm) thick. It is in excellent preserved condition.

Japanese pair of hardwood pulleys, carved out of Keyaki (elm) wood with hand-forged iron hooks and hardware. Two wooden wheels on the inside are built to support a rope. Each pulley is branded with a signature on both sides.

Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 7" x 14" (each)

An antique Fubako, letter box, of a rarely seen design with a black ground having a flowing gold sprinkled pattern featuring wheel and wind/water designs in relief. There is also a lovely sprinkled design to the interior. The exterior bottom, which is covered when the box is closed, has the wheel designs and is very bright showing very little if any wear. Still retaining its original silk tasseled roping, this box is in superb condition...

Kobako in the rock shape in gold lacquer fundame. The interior and underside of the kobako are in nashi-ji lacquer. The cover is decorated in hiramaki-e with a mountainous landscape on a gold background. A river crosses the mountains, bordered by pines, rocks and thatched cottages. Leaves and flowers enhanced with red adorn the sides.

Kobakos (“little boxes”) are often adorned with harmonious decors and sceneries inspired by Japanese fauna and flora...

19th century marine netsuke depicting Ashinaga (long legs) wearing South Sea Islander’s sarong as he sits hugging his absurdly long legs. In Japanese legends he is often accompanied by Tenaga (long arms) whom he puts on his back and goes fishing. Very nice work, beautiful wear to staining, pleasant patina. Signed TOMOYUKI on the bottom - the artist is listed on p. 1167 of NETSUKE & INRO ARTISTS AND HOW TO READ THEIR SIGNATURES by George Lazarnick. Height 1 3/4 inches.

19th century netsuke of kagamibuta (mirror lid”) type with Shibayama inlay depicting a small bird (probably a sparrow) in flight chasing a single cherry blossom petal. Very well made, the inlay is in perfect shape, no losses or repairs. Beautifully fitted metal frame around the inlay, dense rosewood bowl with beautiful mellow patina, metal peg for hanging on the back, old silk cord. Bowl length 1 7/8 inches, inlay length 1 1/8 inches.

19th century cypress wood small okimono representing standing Daruma (founder of Zen Buddhism) enveloped in his monastic robe dramatically billowing in the wind. The sculpture is skillfully carved out of Japanese cypress branch in ittobori (one cut) style characteristic of Hida Province with clever use of natural wood shape, structure and texture as elements of design. Excellently conveyed expression of extreme concentration on Daruma’s face, beautiful patina...

19th century netsuke in manju (rice cake) shape carved with an image of Fukurokuju (one of the 7 Gods of Good Fortune) pulling a fox costume mask onto his head and holding a 9-tailed whip in his hand. Whip design continues on the back showing an attendant boy, one hand raised in amazement, the other holding a fan. Very unusual subject of a Lucky God as an actor, the whip is a clear reference to a mythical nine-tailed fox...

19th century Japanese carved wood obidome (sash ornament) in a shape of a theatrical mask of demon Hannya. Could have been used as netsuke as well. Obidome is worn on an obi cord that holds the obi sash together, and is the only type of jewelry worn by Japanese women on formal occasions. Good design, nice detailing, eyes highlighted with gold lacquer. Height 1.8 inches.

Height: 2 cm (0.8 in)
Width: 3.8 cm (1.6 in)
Depth: 3.2 cm (1.3 in)

Finely carved Japanese wooden netsuke of a snake coiled in an interesting way; good old patina; good condition

Mid Meiji black lacquer gold maki-e borders document box. Features three raised gold designs with very fine details and Japanese characters. The has a gold sprinkled nashiji interior. In excellent condition, it measures: Length 10-1/8" x Width 3-3/4" x Height 2-1/8". Circa 1890. More photos available upon request.

A large sized Imari porcelain tripod censer decorated with motifs of peonies, wonderfully drawn karashishi or Chinese style lions, dragons,and phoenixes. Large censers are often used in Buddhist temples, where extra censers would be used during ceremonies. Age: Edo Period. Size: Height 7" Diameter 10.25"

Early 19th century boxwood netsuke of a man with a horn on his head, bent under the weight of a richly dressed woman on his back. The subject of the netsuke is Ikkaku Sennin (single horn Sage) carrying princess Sendarama on his back - according to Japanese legend, he grew angry with the Rain Dragons and sealed them away in a cave, causing a drought. Beautiful Indian princess was sent to tempt him and when he could not hold on to his chastity vow, he lost his magical powers, and the rain returned...

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of horned green skinned demon. Uncommon image, excellent intense face, great patina. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.15 inches.

19th century Japanese small lacquered wood netsuke representing a theatrical mask of an oni. Uncommon image, excellent intense face, great patina. Crisp detailing, nicely lacquered, some wear to the surface. Signed RYUUN on the back bar - the artist is listed in NETSUKE MASKS by Raymond Bushell, p. 175, signatures 241-243. Height 1.11 inches.

Width: 9 cm (3.6 in)
Height: 2.7 cm (1.1 in)

High quality Satsuma lidded pot by Ryozan; raised gilt and enamel millefleur decoration covering all upper surfaces; signed; excellent condition

Nagoro banana leaf tray lacquer over wood. The black lacquer shines through the red to reveal the ribs and veins of the leaf. In the literati tradition, banana leaves were used by scholar recluses as paper to write calligraphy. Later, this motif was incorporated into other forms of art making the image one of the symbols of the literati aesthetics.

Date: Tiasho circa 1920

Dimensions: 16" x 6" X 3/4"

19th century boxwood netsuke of Jurojin (one of the 7 Gods of Good Luck, usually associated with longevity) leaning on a long gnarled staff and accompanied by one of his familiars - a crane (symbol of longevity). Essentially, the netsuke is a wish for a long life. Wonderful carving, great smiling benevolent face, excellent patina. Height 2 inches.

Very unusual 19th century square manju netsuke made out of a slab of aventurine glass with silver fitting on the back in a shape of a samurai family crest with paulownia flowers and leaves, swinging silver loop for hanging. Superbly beautiful and rare material, absolutely stunningly sparkling in direct sunlight, does not photograph well...

Very beautifully sculpted in the mass of bamboo, the decoration in gold lacquer and polychrome represents 2 Tengu (Japanese legendary creature or demon) under a pine pointing with a finger a vajra (ritual Hindu and Buddhist object, representation of the lightning and the indestructibility...). On the other side a decor of butterflies fluttering over a box in gold lacquer and a lance with at their feet are flowers in polychrome. The whole is very finely carved. Origin: Japan. Period: Meiji (1868-...

Rare Japanese weight driven wall block with finished Keyaki wood frame, strait palisade case with three sided glazed movement, beneath rectangular brass dial with time display by going down weight, peony flower engraved brass, small drawer on bottom.

Meiji Period (1868-1912) circa 1880s

Dimensions: 2.5" x 2.5" x 15.25"

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a decaying skull. Wonderful carving, beautiful patina on the surface, in excellent condition. Length 5/8 inches.

19th century Japanese kozuka (sword knife) handle with raised and incised decoration of a morning glory plant with flowers and leaves. Elegant design, excellent crisp work, wonderful warm brown patina, beautiful gilding, in very good condition. Length 3 3/4 inches.

Japanese lacquered gold and silver hira maki-e biwa shape box (kobako).

Japan, Edo period

Length 7,67 in – Width 3,14 in – Heigth 0,7 in

The biwa is a japanese short-necked fretted luth, often used in narrative storrytelling. The biwa is chosen instrument of Benten, goddess of music, eloquence and poetry.

Antique Japanese idoguruma (well pulley) made of Oribe ware ceramic. Glazed with traditional Oribe brown floral motifs and green drips on a buff color ground. The pulley wheel is attached to it's original keyaki (elm) wood frame. Wonderful age and patina.

Age: Edo Period (early 1800's)

Dimensions: 11 3/4" wide diameter x 30 1/4" total length

19th century staghorn ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) carved in a shape of a ceramic sake jar with high shoulders and decoration of concentric circles . Clever elegant design in Japanese taste, beautiful staghorn texture, in great condition. Height 5/8 inches.

Height: 18.5 cm (7.3 in)
Width: 11.4 cm (4.5 in)

This unique Satsuma vase is hand potted and shaped to resemble a cloth bag with a tied sash drawing in the neck. The piece is unsigned, but is definitely by a master artist. There a two main panels of figures, one of a group of Lohan gathered around a dragon and the other showing young children studying scrolls. The gilt borders surrounding the panels are very well done. Between these panels, decoration includes fine diaper work of...

19th century coral ojime (slide bead for tightening the cord going from netsuke to inro) of simple barrel shape. True coral of beautiful deep red natural color (not stained), nice patina on the surface. Height 3/8 inches.